Finalists announced in Rural Community Business Awards

The finalists have been announced for the annual Rural Community Business Awards, with three businesses shortlisted for the Voneus sponsored Connecting the Community Award. 

The Rural Community Business Awards, run by Plunkett UK, recognise the outstanding achievements of community-owned businesses across the country and the inspiring individuals who make them happen. 

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on October 23.

Voneus specialises in bringing ultrafast fibre broadband to communities across the UK, connecting homes and businesses often left behind in even the hardest to reach areas. The company has this year sponsored the Connecting the Community Award that celebrates how businesses go the extra mile to create safe and welcoming spaces in order to connect their community. 

The finalists are: 

• Cwmdu Inn, Llandeilo, a pub, shop and post office that offers a safe and welcoming space for people with similar interests to touch base 

• Bathford Village Shop and Café, a community owned shop that doubles as a tourist information centre 

• The Maybush Inn, Great Oakley, that opens its doors to host community meetings, club gatherings and social events 

Cwmdu Inn said: “We are delighted and extremely proud to have been shortlisted as one of the finalists of the Voneus Connecting the Community award. It celebrates that Cwmdu community is inclusive and diverse and will give us further motivation to accomplish big things. We hope that we can inspire other small rural communities and show them that things are achievable.” 

 The Bathford Village Shop said: “Being named a finalist is a tremendous. Winning the award would be an especially meaningful milestone as we face the challenge of losing several founding committee members and key supporters due to old age. As we strive to foster a sense of community among new and younger residents in the village, this recognition would inspire and attract continued support, helping ensure the shop’s growth and lasting impact for years to come.” 

While the Maybush Inn said: “Reaching the finals is recognition for all the hard work and time donated to make a positive contribution to our community; this accolade is something of which we are all very proud. Winning the award would be a massive achievement for a community owned and run enterprise such as ours which is still predominantly run by volunteers. It would be testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved and would raise everyone’s esteem.” 

Natalie Ward, head of strategic partnerships at Voneus and one of the judges at this year’s Rural Community Business Awards, said: “We are extremely proud to be working with Plunkett UK, whose vision for resilient, thriving and inclusive rural communities across the UK fully mirrors our own.    

“Connecting communities is what we do here at Voneus, so we are delighted to sponsor The Connecting the Community Award category. We are really looking forward to the event when we get to see a host of amazing community-owned businesses being recognised for their outstanding contribution to vital, local services.”